Australia Records Over 136,000 Inactive Homes

New research identifies that 1.3 percent of the national housing stock has remained unoccupied for five years.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Residential

Bold vector editorial illustration depicting a row of identical unoccupied houses, evoking national housing inactivity and vacancy trends. — New research indicates that approximately 136,278 Australian homes have remained unoccupied for at least five years, highlighting regional housing usage patterns. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Is the number of unoccupied homes in your area getting better or worse for residents?

Recent data analysis reveals that 136,278 dwellings across Australia are currently classified as inactive. These homes, which have sat empty for five years, make up 1.3 percent of the total national housing supply.

Why it matters

Understanding the distribution of these unoccupied properties provides insight into the nation's housing usage across holiday destinations, student markets, and dense unit sectors. This identification helps clarify which regional and urban areas face the most significant challenges regarding housing vacancy.

Forty-five percent of all inactive homes are located in regional Australia, while Sydney and Melbourne contain one-third of the total national count. The Esperance Surrounds region in Western Australia recorded the highest inactive dwelling rate at 11.4 percent.

The players

Australian Bureau of Statistics

This government agency is the primary source of independent statistical data used for national research and policy development in Australia.

The details

Researchers utilised Australian Bureau of Statistics data to track homes left unoccupied for a five-year period. The findings categorise these properties into segments including holiday homes, student-heavy markets, and dense unit developments.

1982: Jabiru was built to support the Ranger uranium mine.
January 2021: The Ranger uranium mine ceased operations.
2026: The research analysis was published.

Culture Shift

This research follows the established protocols for housing market analysis set by the Australian Bureau of Statistics housing data frameworks. The study updates the understanding of national vacancy figures by applying current methodologies established by the same national framework.

The prevalence of inactive homes influences local supply levels and the availability of housing in both regional areas and major cities. Residents in regions like the Northern Territory, which has a 4.5 percent inactive rate, may see different market pressures compared to cities like Adelaide.

The takeaway

The data highlights a significant concentration of unoccupied homes in regional Australia and specific urban markets. Identifying these trends allows for a better assessment of how residential property usage impacts the broader national housing market.